The Current Affairs Staffer Refuses to Join the Rat Race

Hua Jian wondered, why work so hard?

I worked myself to the bone training a newcomer, only for him to decide he didn't want to be human, but a god in the heavens. Then he killed me.

After getting burned, the former super workaholic gave up and started slacking off. Work that hard, and you're the only one who gets hurt.

It just isn't worth it.

I took over a Honmaru meant for retirement, planning to take it easy for a few years. Then I discovered I was a garlic clove, and tried to squeeze in among the oranges. I spent years at it, but I was still an outsider.

In the end, Hua Jue decided to give up.

You can take me or leave me, but I'm staying on as your Saniwa. Then a certain old sword kicked Hua Jian out.

In the end, Hua Jian still got his own retirement Honmaru, but he felt like it wasn't quite what he expected... His first sword was being so clingy that Hua Jian had started clinging right back. The old sword who sneaked into his bed in the middle of the night used to act like he couldn't stand him... Why did everything feel so different?

Maybe these swords really were his. As expected, your own kids really are... the best?

Hua Jian was absolutely determined not to let anything interrupt his retirement, but now that seemed a little difficult.

Yagen: You said we'd be together forever.

Hua Jian: I did say that. (Something feels off, but I can't put my finger on it.)

Some old sword: I get lonely too, you know.

Hua Jian: You say that every time you sneak into my bed at night.

Some oily Geto: You said you'd still have me by your side.

Hua Jian: No, I didn't. You're imagining things.

Some spider boss: Am I not your favorite person anymore?

Hua Jian: Did you get the wrong script?

Sunglasses Cat: You all lost! We already have a kid!

Hua Jian: Bullshit.

Big Cabbage: ...I've already accepted the betrothal gifts.

Hua Jian: Those were betrothal gifts?!

[Content warnings: The protagonist likes money, is a master of disguise, has somewhat questionable values, and is not chaste or a virgin. He was one wedding away from marrying his first partner. This is a light, fluffy story. The author wrote it over winter break. The love interest is an edgy, over-the-top Mary Sue and is also very popular. The story is packed with potential trigger points.]

[The story will go premium on July 6, 2023. Chapters 1-27 will be locked then, so please take note.]

Theme: Cherish the people around you.